We found out on Saturday how good Subiaco are and why they are unquestionably the team to beat for this year's premiership. With a surplus of class, talent and experience they are a highly effective team, with the majority having played together for many years they know each other's game very well and gave us a football lesson in skill, precision and intensity. They are deservedly the benchmark of the competition and gave our players an indication of what it takes to be the best and where we want to get to as a side.

For short periods of the game we played some competitive football but were not able to sustain that intensity long enough. After meeting a team target on restricting Subiaco to three goals in the first quarter we were not able to match them in the second. Once again our use of the ball was totally unsatisfactory. Skill errors handed Subiaco many opportunities and they took them time and time again. In the second quarter Subiaco had a staggering 81% efficiency with ball going inside their 50 compared to our 18%. We had five less entries in this quarter but a match defining 63% difference in effectiveness. A 37% efficiency at the end of the game gives you no hope and this was reflected on the scoreboard. Subiaco demonstrated the required skill and composure with the ball and highlighted to us where we need to get to as a team.

Although it was disappointing afternoon we saw a glimpse of our future with Luke Sampey and Tom Howlett impressive targets of our forward line. With Tim Noakes, we have some inexperienced but potentially exciting forwards for our future. Tom in his debut was presented his first jumper by former premiership player and current Assistant Coach Paul Symmons before the game. Tom showed the potential we know he has and was dangerous with the ball in his vicinity whilst considering the calibre of opponents he was up against a two goal game was a positive start to his career but with much to build on. Luke also was impressive. Having played mostly as a defender thus far in his short league career Luke we know is a natural forward who leads hard and has strong hands. We are keen to educate Luke on playing both ends as he has the ability to be a handy swing player in key positions at either end of the ground. The challenge for both young players is to keep listening and learning and to keep things simple. Brendan Lee is also making the most of his league opportunities and is showing good development in his early career of five games. Ben Noakes showed good concentration and endurance to play an important role on the impressive Kyle Horsley.